Last Friday, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a settlement with MidAmerican, Mediacom, and CenturyLink over violations of Iowa’s One Call law. The One Call law, crucial for the safety of both workers and underground utilities, mandates that anyone engaging in digging, excavating, or trenching activities must first contact the Iowa One Call center to locate and avoid damaging underground …
The summer months are particularly challenging for utility locating companies, as the peak construction and excavation season increases the risks to underground utilities and the health of workers. Creating a safe and efficient working environment for utility locators requires more than just adhering to standard practices; it demands a strategic approach to planning, communication, and worker safety, particularly in the …
Predictive analytics represents a crucial application of artificial intelligence (AI) in our industry, harnessing the power of data to drive insights and optimize decision-making processes. As we delve deeper into the complexities of underground utility management, the importance of accurate and timely information cannot be overstated. The better quality data we can gather from various sources, such as historical records, …
Imagine walking into a restaurant and telling the chef, “I’m hungry. Can you make me something?” Without any specifics, the chef embarks on a culinary adventure, asking numerous questions about your preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions. They ponder the ingredients available, the season, and even recall your past visits. After much deliberation and several taste tests, the chef finally serves …
USIC announced this week a partnership with the U.S. Army Reserve’s P3O Program where they would provide employment opportunities to veterans. I think this is a big win-win for everyone involved and I wanted to highlight it this week in my article. Every year I hear about high turnover in the industry and issues finding good staff. This seems like …
Determining the precise locations of underground utilities and subsurface structures can get pretty complicated and is fraught with misconceptions. From the widely held belief that calling 811 will unveil all buried lines to assumptions about the infallibility of ground penetrating radar (GPR), let’s unravel some of the common myths surrounding utility locating and equip you with the facts essential for …
Over the last few weeks, there have been some major stories coming out of the insurance industry, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters like California. State Farm’s recent decision to discontinue coverage for a substantial number of properties in the state serves as a potent example of these shifts. The rationale behind this move included escalating costs, heightened risk …
I was skimming through r/utilitylocator the other night and came across a post which asked “Should Utility Locating & SUE be regulated?” and I thought it would be interesting to open up the discussion here. For context, the original poster of the question strongly believes that private utility locating should be regulated to some extent, similar to how other professions …
Looking forward to 2028, with the set target of achieving the 50 in 5 milestone, the excavation industry faces significant challenges ahead. However, it’s reassuring to note that many of the solutions needed for progress are already accessible and implemented in various states or industries. This week I’m looking at electronic white lining which I mentioned in my post yesterday …
Utility locating is truly a multifaceted craft, requiring a blend of independence, adaptability, problem-solving, attention to detail, and expertise. Each fresh locate presents its own set of challenges and surprises, demanding not only the standard array of equipment but also the right attitude, awareness, an open mind, positivity, a reliable phone, and even a hefty chunk of metal. Let’s delve …